Flexible clamp device

ABSTRACT

A one piece clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container. The device can be deformed to an open position and normally assumes a closed position. While in the closed position, the clamp is in condition to secure a bag to a container. The clamp may be deformed to place it in position on the lid of a container, and to allow release of the bag from the container.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/877,511, filed Jun. 8, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 09/373,485, filed Aug. 12, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to clamping devices, andmore particularly to a simple, efficient clip device to fasten a plastictrash bag to a rigid container.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0005] Virtually all human activity results in the generation of somerefuse or waste. The sanitary storage and collection of waste is ahallmark of a civilized society. People generally store waste, or trash,in relatively small containers ranging anywhere from one to 55 gallonsin size. Plastic or paper liners, or bags, are frequently used in aneffort to keep these containers clean, and to facilitate easy removal ofthe trash. These liners are placed inside the rigid trash container andfrequently are attempted to be secured to the container by folding theupper section of the bag over the lip of the container.

[0006] Several disadvantages exist with this arrangement. When garbageis placed in the bag, the bag often detaches from the lip of thecontainer and falls to the bottom of the container, where it becomesanother trash item. Attempts to remedy this by closely matching the bagopening with the container opening frequently result in bags that splitor tear when folded over the container lip. And a bag that splits, orotherwise detaches from the container fails to perform its primary taskof holding the refuse placed within it, and protecting the containerfrom soiling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention solves the problem of pliable bags becomingdetached from containers. Broadly, the present invention provides forthe secure removable fastening of bags to containers.

[0008] More specifically, one embodiment of the invention attaches apliable bag to a container by locating a clip over a portion of the bagand container so that a gripping section of the clip secures the bagagainst the container. The clip is positioned over the bag and containerby applying pressure to the upwardly projecting grip, which causes thearms of the clip to separate sufficiently to be placed over the bagwhich is layed over the rim of the container. The clip secures the bagand container once pressure is removed from the grip.

[0009] Embodiments of the invention afford users with a number ofdistinct advantages. First, trash bags no longer need to be folded overcontainer lips, thus avoiding the possibility of tearing bags. Second,the bag remains securely attached to the container lip at all times andthus can perform its intended functions of containing refuse andprotecting the container from being soiled by the refuse. Additionally,the clip of this invention has a low profile so that when it is in useit does not interfere with use of the container cover to close the topof the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0010] The objects, features and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent to those skilled in the art after considering thefollowing detailed description, when read in connection with theaccompanying drawing, wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention showing the gripping unit positioned over a container lip andbag with a clasping unit shown in phantom and also shown partiallyinstalled over the gripping unit;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gripping unit shown in FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clasping unit shown in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a top view of the grip ping unit shown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the gripping unit and a phantomelevation view of the clasping unit shown in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thegripping unit of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a top view of the gripping unit shown in FIG. 6;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theclasping unit for use with the gripping unit of FIG. 6;

[0019]FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a clasping unit of FIG. 6 shown inphantom and a gripping unit showing the arms in closed gripping positionand in spread position in phantom;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative unitary clip embodiment ofthe invention;

[0021]FIG. 11 is a side view of clip shown in FIG. 10;

[0022]FIG. 12 is an end sectional view taken along cutting plane 12-12in FIG. 10;

[0023]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the FIG. 10 embodiment;

[0024]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternative unitary clipembodiment of the invention;

[0025]FIG. 15 is a top view of the clip shown in FIG. 14;

[0026]FIG. 16 is an end sectional view taken along cutting plane 13-13in FIG. 15; and

[0027]FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the FIG. 14 embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shownshould be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on thepresent invention. In the following paragraphs, embodiments of thepresent invention will be described in detail by way of example withreference to the attached drawings.

[0029] The clip assembly according to various embodiments of the presentinvention provides a quick and reliable way to secure or fasten apliable bag to a container by using two gripping arms and a clasp thatforces the gripping arms to removably hold the bag against thecontainer. The clip assembly also has a low profile that permitscontainer lids to fit over the container without interfering with theclip assembly. The clip assembly is also easy to use and inexpensive.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a clip assembly in accordance withone embodiment of the invention is illustrated and designated generallyby the numeral 10. The clip assembly has a gripping or clamping unit 15having two arms or wings 2 that are generally rectangular in shape andmay be slightly curved. Each arm has a ribbed inner surface 3 forpositively gripping flexible bag 4 and lip 8 of container or vessel 5.Alternatively, the inner surface can consist of projections, ridges,grooves, cross-hatching or any other suitable configuration. Otherembodiments of the gripping unit may have arms split into two or moreseparate parts. As shown in FIG. 4, this embodiment of gripping unit 15can have slightly curved arms 2 that approximate the curvature of thecontainer 5.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, arms 2 are connected by bridge orconnector 6. The bridge has two positioning or locking tabs 7 thatengage with clasping unit 20, shown in FIG. 3. Channeled outer section 9on each arm 2 is located beneath the locking tabs. The channeled sectionmay be formed with ridges, grooves, or any suitable configuration forengaging with the clasping unit.

[0032] Now referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an alternative embodimentgripping unit 15 is illustrated. Bridge 6 is narrow to accommodatenarrow container lips which might be found on metal garbage cans. Inthis embodiment, arms 2 are much closer together and can be curved orstraight, to accommodate curved containers. In a similar manner, bridgeand arm proportions can be individualized to suit distinct containers.

[0033] Clasping or clinching unit 20 is illustrated in FIG. 3 and isshown in position and in phantom in FIG. 1. The clasping unit isgenerally U-shaped with an upper surface 11 and two arms or sides 12. Ina preferred embodiment, the distal end of each arm terminates in acurled segment 13 that extends the entire width of the arm.Alternatively, the curled section may reside at only one or moresections of each arm 12. Curled section 14 is located at the upper endof each arm 12 and, in some embodiments, may only reside at one or moresections of the arm.

[0034]FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of clasping unit 20. Uppersurface 11 is narrow to match the narrow bridge gripping unit shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. Arms 12 are now much closer together to engage channelsection 9.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, container 5, having a relatively wide,reverse curved lip or rim, is engaged by arms 2 near container lip 8. Inone embodiment of gripping unit 15 arms 2 are splayed or spread, asshown in FIGS. 2 and 6, to permit easy positioning of the gripping unitover a container. Clasping unit 20 then closes the clip over the bag andthe container lips as seen in FIG. 9, the narrow gripping unit isillustrated with the arms shown in the gripping position and in thespread position in phantom. The arms pivot about living hinges 16 thatdoes not fatigue, and thus the arms can be repeatably cycled from thedisengaged, or spread position, to the gripping position many timeswithout failure. If desired, arms 2 may be normally biased to the spreadposition for ease of positioning over the container lip.

[0036] Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, clasping unit 20 is positionedover bridge 6 and curled segments 13 are positioned to engage thegripping unit. The clasping unit, which is preferably made of springsteel, forces arms 2 into the gripping position to firmly trap or securebag 4 against container 5 when forced downwardly to the final positionwith curled segments 13 seated in bottom depressions 9. Upper curledsection 14 provides gripping projections to enable the clasping unit tobe pulled upwardly to disengage the clip assembly from the bag andcontainer. In a preferred embodiment, the clasping unit ismuti-positionable along the channeled outer section. This allows forvariable clamping force against the container and for quick and easyremoval of clip assembly 10 from the container.

[0037] The gripping unit and the clasping unit can be formed ofplastics, spring steels, fiberglass, rubber, polyurethane or othersuitable materials.

[0038] With reference now to FIGS. 10, 12 and 13, another embodiment ofthe clip of the invention is shown. Clip 30 is a unitary device havingbridge 29 which is generally rectangular in shape, and elongated arms31, 32. This configuration can be used with straight arms, or curvedarms as shown in FIG. 10. Grip element 33, 34 are formed to havesufficient height to allow manual deformation so that arms 31,32 can bespread slightly as needed to be placed over the bag and container lid.However, the height of the grip elements is such that it does notinterfere with the use of a lid on the container. Inwardly projections35, 36 are staggered along a horizontal axis on the inner surfaces 37,38 of arms 31, 32, respectively. The projections are preferably roundedso as to prevent tearing of the bag. Alternatively, arms 31, 32 canconsist of a ribbed inner surface, such as shown in FIG. 2, for securinga flexible bag to the rim of a container or vessel. It is alsocontemplated herein that inner surfaces 37, 38 can have projections,ridges, grooves, cross-hatching or any other suitable configurationknown to those skilled in the art to be able to provide sufficientretention while causing no unacceptable tearing of the bag.

[0039] The relative height of the arm 31 and grip element 33 are shownin FIG. 11. The relative placement of bridge 29 is shown clearly inFIGS. 11 and 12. In a particularly preferred embodiment the height ofgrip 33 is about 0.28 inch above bridge 29, the bridge is about 0.075inch thick and arms 31, 32 extend about 0.662 inch below bridge 29.

[0040] In one embodiment the clip 30 is unitary and may be formed as asingle piece of suitable plastic. The plastic material should berelatively rigid but be slightly deformable to enable arms 31, 32 to bespread slightly by applying pressure to opposed grip elements 33, 34,and return to their original relative positions when the pressure on thegrip elements is released. An example of a plastic that will satisfy therequirements of the invention is a copolymer polypropylene.

[0041] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10-13, the unitary clip consists ofsemi rigid bridge 29, which will temporarily deform when pressure isapplied on grip elements 33, 34, thereby slightly separating arms 31, 32for attachment to a bag and container. Material 41, at the junction ofthe bridge and arms creates the requisite compromise between rigidityand elasticity such that the bridge serves the function of the hinge andlock as in the FIGS. 1 and 6 embodiments. Once pressure is removed fromthe grip elements, the clip immediately returns to its original shape,thus providing sufficient pressure to secure the bag to the container.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 14-17, another alternative embodiment 50of the invention is shown. In this embodiment the clamp achieves flushmounting to the container rim. The clamp has no projection that extendsabove the rim of the container. In addition, clamp can be curved alongits horizontal axis, thereby providing that the bag is secured to thecontainer in an enhanced manner.

[0043] Bridging element 52 has top surface 60 and connects two arms orlegs, 53 and 55. The distal edge of arm 53 is shown with extended lip56. That lip is shaped and configured to facilitate removal of the clampfrom the container rim. Bridging element 52 temporarily deforms whenoutward pressure is applied to extended lip 56, thereby enabling arms 53and 55 to be forced (splayed) apart slightly.

[0044] Although lip 56 is shown across the entire distal edge of arm 53,it is also contemplated herein that lip 56 could, for example, extendonly along a portion of this distal edge. In addition, it is alsocontemplated herein that lip 56 could be on the distal edges of botharms. This embodiment of the invention also comprises any otherstructure, including a tab or block for example, on the distal edge ofthe arms, which would be suitable to facilitate removal of the clampfrom the container. It is also contemplated that the length of lip 56can vary, depending on the amount of leverage desired. It is generallyunderstood that the longer the lip, that is, the further it extends fromleg 53, the greater the amount of leverage that is available.

[0045] Inward projections 58 are preferably staggered along a horizontalaxis of inner surfaces 54 of arms 53 and 55. The projections arepreferably rounded so as to prevent tearing of the bag. Alternatively,the inner surfaces of arms 53 and 55 can have a ribbed or othernon-smooth configuration. For example, it is also contemplated hereinthat the inner surfaces of the arms can have projections, ridges,grooves, cross-hatching, or any other suitable configuration that mightoccur to those skilled in the art to be able to provide sufficientretention while not promoting unacceptable tearing of the bag.

[0046] Top surface 60 is also preferably shaped and configured for theplacement of visual information thereon. In one embodiment, the topsurface is flat. As shown in FIG. 15, script 62 is positioned on the topsurface. In addition to script, graphical information can be placed onthe top surface.

[0047]FIG. 16 is an end view of clamp 50 taken along section line 13-13of FIG. 15. Placement of inward projections 58 and extended lip 56 areshown. FIG. 17 is a bottom view of clamp 50, also showing the placementof inward projections 58 and extended lip 56. Also if desired, clamp 50can be of the same, or at least approximately the same, color as thecontainer to which it is secured. This color can be applied during orafter manufacture, according to procedures well known to those skilledin the art.

[0048] In use, embodiments of the invention are merely pushed or forceddown so that the arms engage the bag surface overlapping the rim of thecontainer. The clamp as shown in FIGS. 14-17 is relatively rigid. Arms53 and 55 may be parallel, or approximately parallel in certainembodiments. In other embodiments, arms 53 and 55 may be converging sothat they are forced apart slightly when put into an engaging positionwith the bag and container. This embodiment provides greater securing tothe container.

[0049] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the only upward projectionof the device when engaged on the container is the thickness of bridgingelement 52. It is also contemplated that the clamp may be positioned onthe container so that arm 53 and lip 56 are on the outside of thecontainer so that when removal is desired, the user does not necessarilycome into contact with the contents of the container. Alternatively, lip56 may be placed on the inside of the container. Lifting lip 56 allowsthe clamp to be easily removed and at the same time the clamp nestles inthe user's hand.

[0050] Certain preferred embodiments have been described above. It is tobe understood that a latitude of modification and substitution isintended in the foregoing disclosure, and that these modifications andsubstitutions are within the literal scope, or are equivalent to theclaims that follow. Accordingly, the following claims should beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the intent and scopeof the invention herein described.

What is claimed is:
 1. For use with a container formed with an open top surrounded by a rim and normally having a removable lid, a clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container, the clamp comprising; a unitary grabbing device selectively capable of an open position and a closed position, said grabbing device comprising; spaced opposing arms interconnected by a bridge element which extends between said arms, said arms each having a distal edge extending from said bridge element, said arms having spaced confronting faces which are normally about parallel to each other in the closed position; and at least one of said arms having an extended lip on the distal edge thereof to accommodate manual deformation of the clamp to slightly, selectively spread the distal edges of the arms apart in an open position; wherein said grabbing device is shaped and configured to affix the bag against a container rim when in the normal closed position, and to release of the bag from a container rim when in the open position.
 2. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein said bridge element is shaped and configured with a width corresponding to the width of the rim of the container to which it is intended to engage.
 3. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein said arms extend from the bridge element in a substantially U-shaped configuration.
 4. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein said confronting faces of said arms are found with irregularities to facilitate positive engagement with a bag on a container rim.
 5. The surface feature of claim 4, wherein said irregularities are semispherical bumps.
 6. The surface feature of claim 5, wherein said bumps are arranged in an alternating fashion on opposite faces of said arms.
 7. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein said confronting faces of said arms are formed with a plurality of parallel ridges along the width of the arms.
 8. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein said bridge element is shaped and configured for positioning visual information thereon.
 9. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein said clip assembly is at least approximately the same color as the container.
 10. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the arms converge toward one another at said distal edges.
 11. For use with a container formed with an open top surrounded by a rim and normally having a removable lid, a clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container, the clamp comprising: a unitary grabbing device configured to be positioned over the bag and container, said grabbing device comprising two spaced legs pivotally connected to a bridge element and extending therefrom, at least one of said legs having an extended lip on an edge distal from said bridge element; wherein said grabbing device is substantially U-shaped and shaped and configured to affix the bag against the container when in the closed position, and to allow release of the bag from the container when in the open position.
 12. The clip assembly of claim 11, wherein said bridge element is shaped and configured with a width corresponding to the width of the rim of the container to which it is intended to engage.
 13. The clip assembly of claim 11, wherein said confronting faces of said arms are found with irregularities to facilitate positive engagement with a bag on a container rim.
 14. The surface feature of claim 13, wherein said irregularities are semispherical bumps.
 15. The surface feature of claim 14, wherein said bumps are arranged in an alternating fashion on opposite faces of said arms.
 16. The clip assembly of claim 11, wherein said confronting faces of said arms are formed with a plurality of parallel ridges along the width of the arms.
 17. The clip assembly of claim 11, wherein said bridge element is shaped and configured for positioning visual information thereon.
 18. The clip assembly of claim 11, wherein said clip assembly is at least approximately the same color as the container. 